Strong Possession Game Yields Fifth Straight Win In 20-10 Decision
Freshman Rachel Coyle was one of seven players to record at least two goals in Saturday's rout of Manhattanville.

Grantham, PA — Another dominating performance in the midfield helped to Messiah’s fifth straight win Saturday afternoon, as the Falcons dispatched Manhattanville College by a 20-10 score at Anderson Field.

Messiah (7-3, 5-0) commanded 24 of the game’s 32 total draw controls, allowing the hosts to double-up the Valiants in total shots — 42 to 21.

The end result was twice as many goals, as the Falcons have now won their last three games by an average of 10.3 goals per.

“We know how important getting possession off of the draw is to the outcome of the game, and our draw team has just been getting more dominant each game,” said Heather Greer, Mesiah head coach. “Today (senior) Bri(anne Brennan), (freshman) Rachel Coyle and (freshman Rachel) Dirk(sen) came up with an impressive 17 draws combined! This was a result of a lot of second effort tries, which is a demonstration of their character as players.”

Greer’s squad captured 10 of the game’s first 11 draw controls en route to a quick 8-2 lead before Manthattanville (6-2, 2-4) would make its most serious surge of the day. Three goals encompassing just over four minutes of game clock turned a 9-2 Messiah advantage into just a 9-5 difference wit 3:55 to play in the first half, and it looked like the Valiants had the capability to make things interesting.

A four-goal Messiah push that enveloped the halftime break followed, however, regaining a 13-5 lead. The Falcons would not look back from there.

Junior Nikki Lawrence led the offensive attack for Messiah, scoring four goals to go with an assist off just eight total shots on the day. Dirksen, sophomore Megan Bovenzi and freshman Deb Tam all scored three goals, while Coyle, senior Jackie Dando and freshman Meghan Doolittle all added two.

Freshman Jaime Gerhart finished off Messiah’s scoring with 8:43 to play in the game, as Manhattanville pulled the final score closer with goals at the 6:18 and 1:42 marks of the second half.

Messiah finished with a season-high 29 ground balls in the win, while the team’s 24 draw controls was also a season-best mark. Bovenzi led the team with five ground ball pickups on the afternoon, while Brennan and Coyle each had four. That tandem each finished with six draw controls on the day. Dirksen was credited for five.

“Megan Bovenzi continues to be such a significant part of our midfield,” Greer said. “She worked so hard in the off-season, getting her body in strong physical condition and it is paying off. She had a huge five ground balls today and continues to lead our midfield with her incredible work ethic and unstoppable will. (Sophomore) Elizabeth Graham is one of our strongest defenders and seems to attract the eyes and whistles of the refs, but today she played solid defense stopping the run and gun game that Manhattanville loves to play, without causing a single foul. I was very proud that she didn't settle but stepped up to meet this challenge.”

Messiah will return to MAC play next Thursday, when the team hosts Lycoming College. Game time is set for 4 p.m.